Cpelk

Wow!!! I'm so glad I have time to make some of these decisions. I appreciate the love of Venice that comes through here. As far as Rome not being worth the time, well, the time in Rome is carved in stone as far as I am concerned.

I am thinking of less time in Florence, maybe two nights (I won't consider a one night stop anywhere) to allow a couple nights in a more "rustic" location. I'm still open about Venice, I do realize it is unique.

Zeppole, I really value your input. Walking in the hills above Florence where Michelangelo did, well, that's more of the experience I am looking for.

Ideally I will have a couple more days for ths trip. Rushing around is not my idea of vacation. I would rather see less and experience more if that makes any sense.

So, Right now(and boy is this subject to change!) I'm looking at flying in to Venice, staying there 2 nights, 2 nights in Florence, 2 nights in the countryside, 5 nights in Rome and flying out of Rome. IF I can add any time to this it would go into the countryside portion, and in that case I think I would consider renting a car in Florence to get to wherever we were going.

I appreciate EVERY piece of advice I am getting here. Thank you all so much.

ira

Hi cp,

I would start in Venice and end in Rome.

I would skip Rome before I skipped Venice.

Have you considered flying into MXP or VCE - 4 nights Venice, rent a car for 4 nights and drive through Tuscany, drop car in Florence?

You will be there at just the end of the harvest season.

Enjoy your visit.

annw

I like the flying into Venice, then Florence/Tuscany or Umbria, then Rome. One thought is stopping at Orvieto on the way to Rome depending on if you've had your smaller town fix, or if you can manage it, though it could take half a day out all told.

I am also someone who cherishes Venice, but it will be important to stay at a place that helps you to feel at home--a small hotel or locanda with personal service IMO makes a huge difference in the Venice experience; personally I only stay at Locanda Orseolo. Check it on Tripadvisor.com and if it fits your criteria price wise then reserve now as they book up fast. for me 3 nights at least but if you can manage 2 that's better than none.

You'll see lots of advice here on small towns in Tuscany so I won't comment there.

I think the poster with the "don't waste your time" comment had to be joking. Of course as you know there is much to see and do in Rome, and lots of good lodging options.

I usually go by train everywhere but small towns seem mostly to require a car.

TDudette

Go to all three! Use nygvic's time frame but make a list of the stuff that interests you in Florence and Venice and make any adjustments then. Add a day to Florence so you can do a day trip to one of the Tuscany towns. Many tours originate in Florence.

Unless something changes, the international flight out of Venice is very early. You will, in my opinion, be less time-stressed to go to Venice first and leave from Rome.

Can't wait to read about your trip!